This grandest of grand operas, Giuseppe Verdi’s Aida features an epic backdrop for what is in essence an intimate love story set in ancient Egypt packed with magnificent choruses, dramatic arias, complex ensembles and elaborate ballets. The opera is, at its core, a profound exploration of the conflict of private emotion and public duty.

The score of this 4-act opera is a sophisticated example of Italian Romanticism as heard in the “Celeste Aida” right at the beginning of Act I, her impassioned “Ritorna vincitor!” that follows and her great internal journey, “Qui Radamès verrà! O patria mia” in Act III. At the center of Act II, is the great Triumphal Scene, which ranks among opera’s most celebrated moments.

Notable performances include a 1955 production conducted by Tullio Serafin with Maria Callas as Aida and Richard Tucker as Radamès, as well as a 1959 performance conducted by Herbert van Karajan with Renata Tebaldi as Aida and Carlo Bergonzi as Radamès.

Today the work holds a central place in the operatic canon, receiving performances every year around the world.

At the Metropolitan Opera alone, Aida has been performed more than 1,500 times since 1886 and was presented again in the Met’s 2018–19 season.

Aida was commissioned by and first performed at Cairo’s Khedivial Opera House on December 24, 1871.

How do you leave the name of the Aida out. Really wonderful recording. Highly recommend
as Alan Blythe did fro the Gramaphone Magazine review when it came out, this acclaimed critic said to buy this CD stating, Millo's Aida was the most urgent reason to buy the disc."

Giancarlo, March 2014

Familiarity: More than 2 yearsAge Range: 26-34

Don't forget the Aida, please!

This is a beautiful recording. I've been familiar with it for a long time. However, when I saw it mentioned on Facebook that the Aida's name (Aprile Millo, BTW) was omitted, I felt I should say something. Millo is a very fine American soprano, and this recording might sell more copies if the listing showed who is singing the title character. Can Ms. Millo's name please be put on the listing for this recording? Thank you!

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